Kearney First UMC Podcasts

Waiting In Between Arrivals

Welcome to our midweek podcast!  In this episode, Pastor Matt says the season of Advent is a time of waiting, but what does waiting look like?  What are the practices that help us wait faithfully or through which God transforms us into the Kingdom Jesus is creating?

Seeing A Realm of Peace

Welcome to our Sunday Sermon podcast!  Pastor Matt begins this sermon with a brief history of what is going on when Isaiah writes today's passage and why Isaiah calls King Ahaz a stump.  Have you ever felt "Stump-ish?"  Have things ever not gone how you planned or as fruitful as you'd like?  Do you ever fell cut off from that which was once thriving?  Isaiah says a ruler is coming who will promote peace and uplift those in need.  God helps us re-center our vision onto a Holy and good leader, building a kingdom of peace in our midst.

Pondering Hope

Welcome to our midweek podcast!  In this episode, Pastor Jo Ellen invites us to ponder what hope looks like for us and for the world.  Jo Ellen prays that we look for the little bits of hope in everyday, no matter how small they may be.

Hope of A Wonderful Life: First Sunday of Advent

Welcome to our Sunday Sermon podcast!  This sermon begins our Advent series.  Pastor Jo Ellen shares that Advent is a time to prepare and hope for the promise of Jesus's birth.  One of our movie pairings this week was "Spirited" in which the main character learns that one small good thing a day can make a big difference towards a better world.  In "It's A Wonderful Life,"  the main character learns the world is better with him in it.  The same can be said for you.  The promise of Christ gives us hope.  What are your hopes?

Looking Toward Advent

Happy Thanksgiving!  In this episode, Pastor Matt shares a little about the end of Matthew and a brief look at Advent.  The story of Jesus has always been rooted in God being with us always.  From the opening genealogy of Matthew that shows Jesus' lineage from Abraham (and the promise God would make him a nation that would impact the world), to Jesus's Great Commission to the disciples to go into the world, tell all people the good news, and that Jesus will be with us until the end of the age, God will never leave us.

Following Jesus: The End of the Matthew Series

Welcome to our Sunday Sermon Podcast!  In this sermon, Pastor Matt looks at the disciples asking Jesus when the temple will be destroyed, what sign will there be for the coming of God's kingdom, and Jesus' response in the Parable of Sheep and Goats.  It is a parable of vision, showing what being a follower of Jesus looks like.  It is encouragement to have endurance of faith and to keep following Jesus.  Jesus is the sign that God's kingdom has come and we are to continue to be Church for all people.

Thankful For God With Us in Our Struggles

Welcome to our midweek podcast!  In this episode, Pastor Jo Ellen shares a bit from the end of Matthew.  She encourages us to be thankful for Jesus promising to be with us to the end of the age.  We may have struggles in our lives, but how wonderful it is to have a God who walks with us.  At the end of this episode, Jo Ellen shares a breath prayer, a type of prayer that has two parts.  The first part is as you breathe in and the second part is as you breathe out.  "God, be my strength every morning...and save me in my distress."

What to Do With What You've Been Given - UMC Sunday

Welcome to our Sunday Sermon Podcast!  In this sermon, Pastor Jen Gibbs shares a little bit about what United Campus Ministries does and how it serves students.  She preaches on the Parables of the Talents  and challenges us to think about what we have been given.  God has entrusted us with many valuable talents.  How are we using them?  No matter how many or how few talents one may have, everyone is expected to do something with what they've been given.  When we bury what God has given us, we miss the joy of seeing it grow.  Joy is the reward for faithfulness.

Waiting Expectantly in Community and Looking Toward Advent

Welcome to our midweek podcast!  In this episode, Pastor Jo Ellen reflects on the importance of being church community outside the church walls and shares about upcoming events.  She asks "How would it change your life if you were to wait expectantly for the return of Christ?  What do you wait expectantly for?"

Two Sons, Tenants, and A Wedding

Welcome to our Sunday Sermon Podcast!  In this sermon, Pastor Jo Ellen looks at parts of Matthew 21 and 22 which is a collection of parables.  It is not enough just to know scripture in our heads and reason it, but to do something with it. Our words need action to back them up.  We can say to God's calling, but if we don't act on our words, they mean nothing.  How can we shape our lives like Jesus if we don't deeply know Jesus?  Where is our fruit and are we sharing our fruit?  Who is our neighbor?